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About Peak Advisor

Empowering Travelers. Supporting Nepal.

Peak Advisor is your ultimate information hub for traveling in Nepal. We curate high-quality travel guides, detailed place profiles, and honest insights to help you plan your perfect Himalayan adventure while promoting sustainable local tourism.

Comprehensive Guides

Read in-depth articles covering everything from popular teahouse trekking routes like Everest Base Camp to hidden cultural heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley.

Detailed Place Profiles

Explore accurate, up-to-date information on elevations, required permits, best travel seasons, and available facilities for hundreds of destinations.

Community Driven

We rely on real experiences and honest feedback from fellow travelers and locals to help you make informed, safe decisions before packing your bags.

Supporting Local Tourism

By highlighting both iconic landmarks and lesser-known routes, we promote sustainable travel and distribute economic benefits across Nepal.

Geography Guide

Nepal's Geography Overview

Explore the 7 provinces and 77 districts of Nepal. Hover or click on the map to discover local geographic highlights, peaks, and key attractions.

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Hover to see districts. Click any district to view its province details.
कोशी प्रदेश

Koshi Province

Capital Biratnagar
Total Area 25,905 sq km
Population 4.96 million
Highlight Home to Mt. Everest (8,848.86m) & Kanchanjunga (8,586m)

Located in the easternmost part of Nepal, Koshi Province is home to the world's highest peaks, rich glacial lakes, and the deep valleys of the Arun River.

Major Peaks

Mt. Everest (8,848.86m)Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m)Mt. Lhotse (8,516m)

Top Places to Visit

Everest Base CampIlam Tea GardensPathibhara TempleKoshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Want to learn more? Read regional guide
Weather Guide

Best Times to Visit Nepal

Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a completely different perspective. Use our seasonal planner to align your bucket-list trip.

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Autumn Guide

Featured Season

Hilly & Mountain Temp 10°C to 24°C
Terai Plains Temp 20°C to 32°C
Best Suited For Peak trekking season & major cultural festivals
Plan within September - November for these benefits.

Why Autumn is Magical

  • Crystal-clear skies & razor-sharp mountain peaks
  • Dashain & Tihar (biggest festivals in Nepal)
  • Perfect weather conditions for all adventure sports
Pro Packer Tip

Book accommodation and flights far in advance, as trails can be busy.

Cultural Guide

Local Customs & Etiquette

Nepalese society is deeply spiritual and traditional. Learning these basic cultural guidelines shows respect and opens doors to genuine local hospitality.

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Do नमस्ते
Greetings

Join palms together and say 'Namaste'

The divine in me bows to the divine in you. Do this instead of shaking hands, especially with people of the opposite gender or elders as a sign of respect.

greeting Guide
Do मन्दिर मर्यादा
Temple Etiquette

Remove leather items & shoes before entering temples

Shoes carry dirt and leather is made from cows (which are sacred in Hinduism). Always leave shoes outside the temple grounds or near the entrance as designated.

temple Guide
Do प्रदक्षिणा
Buddhist Shrines

Circumambulate temples & stupas in a clockwise direction

Always walk around Buddhist stupas, chortens, and mani walls in a clockwise direction. It represents following the path of the sun, bringing positive alignment.

temple Guide
Do दायाँ हात
Eating Customs

Eat, offer, or receive things using your right hand

The left hand is considered spiritually unclean because it is used for personal hygiene. Always use your right hand when dining, paying, or offering gifts.

dining Guide
Don't जुठो
Dining Taboo

Avoid touching others' food/drink with your lips (Jutho)

Do not drink from a bottle by touching your lips to it, or take a bite of food from someone else's plate. Once food touches your lips, it becomes 'Jutho' (polluted).

dining Guide
Don't टाउको र खुट्टा
Body Language

Do not touch people's heads or point your feet at anyone

The head is considered sacred and the highest part of the body, while the feet are considered the lowest and unclean. Avoid touching heads or pointing soles at anyone.

social Guide
Don't शिष्टता
Social Norms

Avoid public displays of affection (PDA)

Holding hands is common among friends of the same gender, but physical intimacy, kissing, or hugging between couples in public is considered highly inappropriate.

social Guide
Do अनुमति
Respecting Privacy

Ask permission before photographing people or rituals

Always ask 'Photo khichna milchha?' (May I take a photo?) before capturing portraits, religious sadhus, worshippers, or holy cremation rituals.

social Guide
Trekking Guide

Famous Trekking Routes

Find legendary trails in the Himalayas. Discover altitudes, hiking difficulty ratings, ideal seasons, and key highlights of each pass.

Strenuous
12-14 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek

Max Altitude 5,364m (EBC) / 5,545m (Kala Patthar)
Best Season Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Trail Start Lukla

Close-up views of Mt. Everest, iconic Sherpa culture, Khumbu Glacier, Tengboche Monastery.

Challenging
14-18 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Max Altitude 5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
Best Season Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Trail Start Besisahar

Crossing Thorong La Pass, beautiful diverse landscapes from sub-tropical to desert, Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Moderate
7-9 Days

Langtang Valley Trek

Max Altitude 3,870m (Kyanjin Gompa) / 4,773m (Kyanjin Ri)
Best Season Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Trail Start Syabrubesi

Spectacular valleys, cheese factories, Tibetan-influenced cultures, stunning views of Langtang Lirung.

Strenuous
14-16 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Max Altitude 5,106m (Larkya La Pass)
Best Season Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Trail Start Soti Khola / Machha Khola

Off-the-beaten-path experiences, circle the eighth highest peak, Larkya La Pass, pristine Buddhist culture.

Moderate
10-12 Days

Upper Mustang Trek

Max Altitude 3,820m (Lo Manthang)
Best Season May - October (rain shadow area)
Trail Start Jomsom

Ancient walled capital Lo Manthang, sky caves, Tibetan-Buddhist kingdom roots, beautiful red rock cliffs.

Health & Safety Guide

Stay Safe & Healthy in Nepal

High altitudes and changing hygiene levels require smart preparation. Learn key medical practices, emergency contacts, and altitude sickness prevention.

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Emergency Assistance

Keep emergency and rescue services numbers handy during high treks.

Tourist Police 1144
General Emergency 100 / 103
Active Guidelines

Emergency & Rescue Services

Tourist Police (1144)

Dedicated police force for tourists. Call 1144 for theft, loss of passport, or general safety concerns while traveling.

General Police & Fire (100 / 101)

Dial 100 for general police emergency. Dial 101 for the fire brigade. Response times vary outside major cities.

Ambulance Services (102)

Dial 102 for city ambulances. In remote or trekking areas, ground ambulances are typically not viable.

Helicopter Search & Rescue

Essential for severe altitude sickness or trauma on remote treks. Always coordinate via your trekking agency and ensure your insurance covers high-altitude airlift.

These recommendations do not substitute for professional medical consultations. Full list
Food Guide

Local Cuisine & Dining

Discover the rich culinary heritage of Nepal. From the hearty Dal Bhat power to the spicy bites of street food Momo, explore authentic taste profiles.

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Origin: Thak Khola (Mustang region)

Thakali Dal Bhat

Mild & aromatic (suitable for all)

The ultimate national fuel of Nepal. Consists of steamed rice (Bhat), lentil soup (Dal), vegetable curry (Tarkari), spicy pickles (Achar), and meat options, cooked with pure local ghee.

Best Way to Enjoy

Must try this combined with Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) & local ghee for a truly authentic food experience!

Curious about food customs? Read culinary guide
Permit & Visa Guide

Required Documents & Permits

Entering Nepal and its rugged mountain trails requires proper paperwork. Use our interactive permit finder to understand your checklist.

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Solo Trekking Update

As of April 1, 2023, the Government of Nepal has made licensed trekking guides mandatory for all foreign nationals trekking in conservation parks to ensure traveler safety and rescue logistics. Solo trekking is restricted.

TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System)

Required for: All trekking activities in Nepal (Solo trekking is restricted; guide is mandatory)

Cost: NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD) per person Time: 1-2 hours at Tourism Board offices (Kathmandu/Pokhara)

Official registration required for search & rescue operations, keeping track of trail safety and registration logs.

Documents Needed for application

Passport copy2 passport-size photosLicensed trekking agency booking

ACAP / MCAP / National Park Conservation Permits

Required for: Entering protected conservation areas (Annapurna, Manaslu, Everest)

Cost: NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD) per conservation park Time: 1-2 hours at Tourism Board or local park entry gates

Funds the upkeep of the local conservation park, suspension bridges, forest security, and rural community programs.

Documents Needed for application

Passport copy2 passport-size photos

Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Required for: Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, Nar Phu, Kanchenjunga

Cost: Varies (e.g. Upper Mustang: $500 for 10 days) Time: 1 working day (Must be processed via a registered trekking company)

Special permits required to access highly sensitive border regions with restricted foreign tourism volume.

Documents Needed for application

Original PassportValid Tourist VisaMin. 2 trekkers in a group
Language & Phrases

Essential Nepali Vocabulary

Locals appreciate when travelers speak their language. Click the interactive flashcards below to flip them and learn pronunciations and literal meanings.

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English

"Hello / Greetings"

Phonetic: Na-ma-ste

Click to translate
Nepali Script & Pronunciation
नमस्ते "Na-ma-ste" Lit: I bow to the divine in you

The universal greeting in Nepal. Used with a polite bow and joined palms.

English

"Thank you"

Phonetic: Dhan-ya-baad

Click to translate
Nepali Script & Pronunciation
धन्यवाद "Dhan-ya-baad"

Used to show appreciation. While not used as frequently as 'thank you' in English, it is highly polite and respected.

English

"How are you?"

Phonetic: Ta-pai-lai kas-to chha?

Click to translate
Nepali Script & Pronunciation
तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ? "Ta-pai-lai kas-to chha?" Lit: How is it to you?

Polite form to ask how someone is. A common friendly reply is 'Sanchai chha' (I am fine).

Currency & Exchange

Live Forex Rates

Check the latest official exchange rates from the Nepal Rastra Bank and calculate your currency conversion instantly.

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